Running Tip: Walk for Your Cool Down

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Running Tip: Walk for Your Cool Down

October 2, 2008

After sprinting for the last thirty seconds of my run, and envisioning myself crossing the finish line of the imaginary race that has propelled me forward through my long run, I like to walk to cool down. I jog for a few minutes then slowly decrease my speed to a walk. Not only does walking help to lower my heart rate, it also is an active stretch for my hip flexors, the muscles at the front of the pelvis that work hard when running. Walking after running seems to decrease my post running stiffness for all my leg joints. Plus, when I walk in the house I am not too sweaty to hug my girls, who have suddenly become squeamish about sweat.

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3 Comments

WriterChick54 4 years 33 weeks

I just started doing that this week, and surprisingly, it makes you feel less tired after the work out too, because it brings you back down to a normal heart and breathing rate quicker than just stopping. At least it feels that way.

ilanac13 4 years 33 weeks

i think that it does make a lot of sense to walk after a run since your muscles do need the cool down. for myself though, i'm always super sweaty so i don't think that this would help me at all in that department, but i guess you can't win them all right?